April 2013

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
46% ABV
$250
Website

What the Distillery Says:
This whiskey represents Barry Crockett’s personal selection of fine and elegant whiskeys which have been distilled and laid down over the past 24 years.

The appellation Midleton is only bestowed on the finest distillates originating from this wonderfully divers distillery complex. The rare and exclusive bottlings carrying the Midleton name are much sought after and have become the coveted possessions of whiskey enthusiasts the world over.

Nose: Elegant aroma of vanilla and toasted oak complimented by a touch of lime, succulent green berries, pears and green sweet pepper

Taste: Light pepper carries on to fresh citrus, limes and mandarin orange sweetness. A hint of cinnamon with vanilla and oak reveals its years spent in American oak.

Finish: The full spectrum of flavours last well into the finish, slowly fading to expose the clean American oak foundation.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Regardless of the iteration there is that distinctive Midleton/Irish Distillers pot still character on the nose. Fresh cut grass, orange blossoms, and lemon zest.
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, fine oak, with hints of the citrus from the nose. This is rich thick and creamy. Mouth coating and delicious.
Finish: Lightly peppered and woody. Not over oaked, just a long slow wooded finish.
Comments: Damn amazing! If you’re going to spend $250+ on a bottle of Irish I’d go this way over the Jameson Rarest Vintage by a hair. The dram just grabs you and encapsulates you. Truely stunning. A benchmark in aged single pot still Irish.
Rating: Must Try

Powers Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey John’s Lane Release
46% ABV
$65 to $75
Website

What the Distillery Says:
This expression celebrates the origin of the Powers whiskey tradition and provides a glimpse of the whiskey style that made Powers famous. Using a pot still distillate which is true to the original style of John’s Lane, the whiskey has been matured for not less than 12 years, mainly in first fill American bourbon casks, with a small contribution of distillate which has been matured in Oloroso sherry butts.

The result is a Single Pot Still whiskey of outstanding flavour and complexity which provides a fitting tribute to the spiritual home of one of Ireland’s most loved whiskeys.

TASTING NOTES
Nose An abundance of earthy aromas, leather, tobacco with layers of charred wood, dark chocolate and treacle toffee.
Taste Full bodied spice front followed by vanilla, honey and dried apricot.
Finish Lingering honey sweetness on toasted oak.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Warm and inviting. Brown butter sauce and nutty.
Palate: Spicier than a normal Irish dram. Oily and lightly woody. A little orchard fruit but the pepper spiciness overwhelms the other elements.
Finish: Long, dry, and spicy.
Comments: An Irish Mr. Universe? Big, brawny, and ready to kick some ass.
Rating: Must Try